13th Annual Who’s Who In Atlanta Unveiled

By Kenya King (www.atlantadailyworld.com)It could be a remnant of destiny that Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media, epitomizes what the honorees of the “Who’s Who of Black Atlanta” publication represent — high-achieving African Americans who aren’t recognized enough.

“We’re the largest Black media company that you’ve never heard about,” Jackson said to attendees of the Who’s Who in Black Atlanta 13th annual unveiling reception held at the Twelve Atlantic Station hotel. Real Times Media, which Jackson runs, acquired the conglomerate of Who’s Who African-America inspired publications in 2009 and is headquartered in Detroit.

Jackson stated that many successful African Americans in business and in corporate America “never end up in print” with attribution of doing good work. “Most of you get up every day, work hard and play by the rules and treat your families right, and you get enough money to go home and support your family and nobody ever knows about it. So it’s our job to tell the world about you,” said Jackson.

First published in Atlanta in 1989, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta’s corporate office is now located in Columbus, Ohio. This year’s publication paid special tribute to Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis for being a “moral leader” in the community and for his continuous work on behalf of African Americans.

Lewis, who represents the 5th District in Atlanta, was unable to attend the event due to his responsibilities in Congress, but sent greetings via video.

Lewis applauded the city of Atlanta as a “wonderful place” to live and reiterated the value of the Who’s Who publication. “Generations yet unborn will pick up this volume and they will read about the history and the struggle and the contribution that people of color have made to this city, to this region during this period in our history,” said Lewis.

This year, more than 350 African Americans are featured in the “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta” publication. From